DESCRIPTION:

This is the second of a two course sequence designed to provide a basic introduction to the New Testament, including not only the traditional elements of "Introduction" such as authorship, date, provenance, background, structure, and use of sources, but also the theologies of the various writings. The orientation is both historical and exegetical. The present course is concerned with the book of Acts, the epistles, and the apocalypse. The bulk of the course will be devoted to Paul as the supreme interpreter of Christianity. Attention will also be given to other strands of early Christianity and to the history of their emergence, especially that of Jewish Christianity.

An understanding of these documents of the New Testament is indispensable not only for teaching and preaching, but in developing a biblically informed theology that equips one for everyday living.

The course is based mainly around the lectures, but discussion with active participation of the student will also be allowed. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

The second half of the following two books:

Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday, 1997.

Ladd, G. E. A Theology of the New Testament. Rev. ed. Eerdmans, 1993.

Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Eerdmans, 1977.

Kümmel, W. G. Introduction to the New Testament. 17th ed. Trans. H. C. Kee. Abingdon, 1975.

Martin, R. P. New Testament Foundations. Vol. 2. Rev. ed. Eerdmans. 1975-78.

Two short papers on assigned subjects (but with some choice allowed).

Midterm and final exams.

None, though Greek is desirable.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).

Yes.